Maria Sharapova and Bryan Twins to Join Hall of Fame in 2025

Cataleya

October 25, 2024 · 2 min read

Maria Sharapova and Bryan Twins to Join Hall of Fame in 2025
Other Sports | October 25, 2024
Former world number one Maria Sharapova and American twins Bob and Mike Bryan have been announced as the 2025 inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. (Image: Ethan Miller)

Maria Sharapova and American twins Bob and Mike Bryan, the most successful doubles team in tennis history have received selection for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, announced on Thursday.  Organizers will honor them during a ceremony on August 23 at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Sharapova, who became the first Russian woman to achieve the world number one ranking in 2005, is one of only ten women to complete a career Grand Slam in singles.

She also earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Expressing her gratitude on social media, the 37-year-old stated, “Incredibly grateful to receive this honor… This recognition is such a beautiful reminder of the deep appreciation I have for my fans.” Despite facing shoulder issues throughout her career, Sharapova established herself as one of tennis’s most recognizable figures.

However, she faced backlash after announcing a positive drug test for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open which led to a two-year ban from the International Tennis Federation. An appeal reduced her suspension to 15 months. After returning to competition in 2017, Maria Sharapova retired in February 2020 finishing her career with nearly $40 million in prize money and a legacy as one of the highest-paid female athletes.

The Bryan twins achieved remarkable success in men’s doubles, winning 16 Grand Slam titles and holding the world number one ranking for a record 438 weeks. They captured 119 professional titles including 39 ATP Masters 1000s and the ATP Finals title four times. Additionally, they won Olympic gold in 2012 and contributed to the U.S. Davis Cup victory in 2007.

Hall of Fame President Kim Clijsters stated that the Class of 2025 has profoundly impacted tennis and inspired fans worldwide.